Hurricane Brings Rain to Indiana
Published: Friday, October 4, 2024
The following is from the Indiana Field Office of USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service for the week ending Sept. 29.
Dry conditions in the beginning of the week gave way to wind and rain brought on by Hurricane Helene, slowing harvest progress.
Topsoil moisture levels increased from the previous week, with 56% rated adequate or surplus.
The average temperature for the week was 67.3 degrees F, 6.6 degrees above normal.
The statewide average precipitation was 2.62 inches, 1.85 inches above normal.
There were 3.8 days suitable for fieldwork.
Heavy rainfall replenished topsoil moisture, but some Indiana farmers reported limited lodging and wind damage from the storms.
Soybean and corn for grain harvest progress were both ahead of their respective five-year average paces, while corn for silage harvest progress was slightly behind its five-year average pace.
The increased soil moisture levels aided germination of winter wheat and cover crops.
Fall calving began for some producers, and pasture condition improved slightly, with 29% rated in good to excellent condition.
Other activities included repairing harvest equipment and hauling grain to market.
The crop moisture content (last week, previous week, 2023 and five-year average) showed: field corn harvested for grain, 19, 19, NA, NA; soybeans harvested, 12, 11, NA, NA.
The crop progress schedule (last week, previous week, 2023 and five-year average) showed: corn mature, 81, 67, 64, 63; corn harvested for grain, 20, 12, 11, 13; corn harvested for silage, 87, 78, 83, 89; soybeans dropping leaves, 86, 72, 75, 73; soybeans harvested, 23, 16, 14, 14; winter wheat planted, 13, 7, 10, 11; winter wheat emerged, 2, 1, 2, 2; alfalfa hay, fourth cutting, 66, 59, 67, 68; other hay, third cutting, 81, 79, 93, 87; other hay, fourth cutting, 32, 27, 39, 28.
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